About Us » Student Testimonials
What Our Students Have Said
"As the Founder and Director of not-for-profit animal sanctuary, Edgar’s Mission, it is paramount that the animals in our care receive the very best we can provide, both in terms of husbandry and facilities. To this end I am forever seeking to learn more, however I have little to no (zero) time to attend colleges or universities to further my knowledge. Scouring the internet, I was beyond delighted to find ACS Distance Education who offer a variety of self-paced courses covering a vast array of subjects related to (farm) animals. After searching through and highlighting courses of interest I settled upon the Animal Anatomy and Physiology course, which is just so interesting and greatly enables me to better understand and assist animals, and I am shortly to complete a Poultry course. Our farm manager has recently undertaken a course on pasture management with ACS Distance Education too. Assignments are quickly marked and returned along with constructive and helpful comments, which really complements the learning experience. My next challenge is to decide which course to undertake, there are just so many to choose from. "
Pam, Founder of Edgar's Mission – studied Animal Anatomy and Physiology.
"I thoroughly enjoyed my course and found it to be most comprehensive and thorough, encompassing all aspects of animal care both domestic and in the farming environments.?
The course was clearly defined and simple to follow. Tutor's comments most helpful and understanding & constructive. Return of assignments within a short time assured continuance of interest. I would recommend a course with ACS to anyone considering undertaking one."
Jo – studied Animal Health Care
"Undertaking research reinforces learning, and it makes me learn more than I would on the course notes alone. The tutor’s comments are very useful. He also provides links to interesting materials relative to my course."
Lana Hurley – studied Pet Care
"Yes I found the course valuable. I have animals, I am a dog training instructor. I am planning to commence a business providing in-home care to a variety of animals. So I wanted to upgrade my knowledge of animal health. I enjoyed the course and feel I have learned a lot."
Beverley Bell - studied Animal Health Care
The course was very useful because it helped me to learn more about Poultry, especially the business side of the industry. I really enjoyed working through the assignments over the last 12 months. They made me think and do lots of research. It has helped me to get into College to study Countryside and Environment Management. I have always been interested in all animals especially poultry and the college tutors were impressed with my knowledge. So I am very pleased I did this course. My mum is now thinking about taking the Goat course, as she breeds Pygmy and Golden Guernsey goats and says she would enjoy learning more about them."
Aaron May – studied Poultry
"Hi. My name is Sabine and I just wanted to tell you how useful I found your Equine Behaviour course.
Together with other courses and professional qualifications it gave me a great foundation to start my own dream business, “Hillview Equine Assisted Learning”, which is an experiential type of therapy based on the interaction and communication between humans & horses. 4 years ago, I had the great privilege of fulfilling my life’s dream of buying a small farm and acquiring 4 horses, as well as a variety of other animals.
Since I am a counsellor and have been a foster carer for traumatised children for 9 years and watched how the children benefited from the interaction with the horses, I wanted to learn more about how to understand and communicate with the horses.
Even though I had been around horses all my life, done vaulting and dressage lessons for years, enjoyed trail riding and volunteer work with RDA (disabled riders), I felt that I really didn’t have enough understanding of horse’s behaviour and language. This is where the Equine Behaviour course came in and helped me a great deal, giving me a good basis to work on communicating with my horses and inspiring me to attend EAGALA conferences (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) and follow up with natural horsemanship clinics from then on. Last year I started my business (Hillview Equine Assisted Learning), which is specifically designed to address the mental health issues experienced by traumatised children.
It is not a profitable business, as the feed and maintenance costs for the horses far outweighs the income, but it is the most rewarding work I’ve ever done. It is so wonderful to watch the children learn to interact and communicate with the horses, learn to focus, increase mindfulness and self-awareness skills, grow in confidence and self-esteem.
I feel grateful to my horses every day, as they willingly team up with me to teach important life skills to children who had a tough start in life and deserve every bit of help, we can give them."
Sabine, Hillview Assisted Learning – Studied Equine Behaviour